49th week of 2008 patent applcation highlights part 55 |
Patent application number | Title | Published |
20080300617 | OBTURATOR TIPS - The present disclosure is directed towards a surgical dilating instrument for use in conjunction with a surgical portal device. The surgical dilating instrument disclosed herein includes an inventive dilating tip with a substantially polygonal cross-section that incorporates one or more raised atraumatic edge members. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300618 | Obesity treatment systems - In some embodiments, an extragastric balloon is described in which the balloon is contoured to fit a portion of the stomach but not circumscribe the stomach. In some embodiments, the extragastric balloon comprises multiple material components. In some embodiments, the extragastric balloon comprises multiple inflateable compartments. In some embodiments, the extragastric balloon is filled with one or more of a gas, liquid, solid, or foams to create portions of the balloon with differing densities or buoyancies. In some embodiments, multiple anchors contact the stomach each of which are inflateable with a fluid such as a liquid, gas, or gel. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300619 | RECTAL BALLOON APPARATUS WITH RADIATION SENSOR AND/OR MARKERS - A rectal balloon apparatus has a shaft with a fluid passageway extending therethrough. A balloon is affixed over an end of the shaft such that the fluid passageway communicates with an interior of the balloon. The balloon has a laterally flat surface thereon when inflated. The laterally flat surface of the balloon has a longitudinal groove formed thereon. The balloon has a radiation sensor positioned within the groove and a plurality of fiducial markers positioned on a surface of the balloon. A stopper is slidably mounted on the shaft. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300620 | EMBOLIC FILTER MADE FROM A COMPOSITE MATERIAL - An embolic filter is disclosed and includes a hub and at least one elongated member extending from the hub. The at least one elongated member includes a core and a jacket circumscribing the core. A ratio of a core diameter to a jacket diameter is at least 0.60. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300621 | VASCULARA DEVICE FOR EMBOLI, THROMBUS AND FOREIGN BODY REMOVAL AND METHODS OF USE - Apparatus and methods are provided for use in filtering emboli from a vessel and/or performing thrombectomy and embolectomy, wherein a vascular device comprises one or more support hoops connected near a distal end of a guide wire, each support hoop having an articulation region, and a blood permeable sac affixed to the support hoop or hoops to form a mouth of the blood permeable sac. The mouth of the sac closes when the apparatus is collapsed for removal to prevent material from escaping from the sac. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300622 | Atraumatic Hemostatic Clamp - An atraumatic hemostatic clamp, being an artery/vein clamp in the field of medical instruments, mainly includes a left clamp body ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300623 | MULTI-USE TWEEZER - The present disclosure is generally directed to a multi-tool with more than one tweezer tip. In an example embodiment the multi-tool includes two plates and an interposed spring component. The plates have a plurality of tweezer tip pairs and the spring component permits pivoting articulation of the plates in order to apply pinching forces by the different tweezer tip pairs upon an area of interest. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300624 | Tissue Stabilizer and Fastener - A surgical instrument for applying a fastener to tissue of a patient. The instrument includes an elongate shaft having a working end and a grip end opposite the working end. The instrument includes opposing stationary jaws mounted on the working end of the elongate shaft defining a gap between the jaws. The gap is sized and shaped for receiving tissue. At least one of the jaws includes a fastener ejector directed toward the gap for introducing a fastener into tissue received in the gap to selectively fasten the tissue with the fastener. The instrument includes a mechanism operatively connected to the fastener ejector for introducing the fastener into the tissue thereby applying the fastener to the tissue of the patient. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300625 | INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL MEDICAL CLOSURE SCREEN SYSTEMS AND METHODS - An internal and external medical closure system for a separation of first and second tissue portions is provided, which includes a mesh screen comprising tubular vertical risers, vertical strands with barbed filaments, and horizontal spacers connecting the risers and strands in a grid-like configuration. An optional perimeter member partly surrounds the screen and can comprise a perimeter tube fluidically coupled with the vertical risers to form a tubing assembly. Various input/output devices can optionally be connected to the perimeter tube ends for irrigating and/or draining the separation according to methodologies of the present invention. Separation closure, irrigation and drainage methodologies are disclosed utilizing various combinations of closure screens, tubing, sutures, fluid transfer elements and gradient force sources. The use of mechanical forces associated with barbed strands for repositionably securing separated tissues together is disclosed. The use of same for eliminating or reducing the formation of subcutaneous voids or pockets, which can potentially form hematoma and seroma effects, is also disclosed. Further disclosed are alternative embodiment medical closure screen installation systems and methods. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300626 | ANCHOR SUTURE DEVICE - An apparatus | 2008-12-04 |
20080300627 | Surgical Instrument - A surgical instrument for applying a fastener to tissue. The fastener includes a male component including a base having a hole, a needle receivable in the hole, and a female component including a base and a recess for receiving the needle. The instrument includes a shaft, a first jaw pivotally mounted on the shaft including a receiver for holding the base one component, and a second jaw statically mounted on the shaft including a receiver for releasably holding the base the other component. The first jaw is moveable between an open position and a closed position. The first and/or second jaw includes a channel for slideably receiving a needle. The instrument includes a mechanism for moving the first jaw between the open and closed positions and an ejector for driving the needle through the hole in the male component, through tissue and into the recess of the female component. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300628 | Medical Devices - A medical system may include a medical device, such as a medical connector. The medical connector may be used to close an opening formed in (and/or interconnect portions of) one or more bodily structures. The medical connector may be sized and configured to resiliently move to a fastening position. The medical connector may be sized and configured to penetrate a portion of a wall of a lumen, such as a blood vessel. For example, medical connector may be sized and configured to initially penetrate a portion of the wall disposed between the wall's inner and outer surfaces. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300629 | SUTURE LOCK - Suture Locks, as well as related systems and methods, are provided for fixing strands of one or more sutures relative to tissue. The suture locks, systems and methods are simple and reliable in use, facilitate complete perforation closure and adjustment of the suture strands, and are adaptable to a variety of suture fixation and perforation closure situations. The suture lock includes a locking pin and a retaining sleeve. The locking pin has a main body and a grip. The retaining sleeve has a tubular body with an internal wall defining an internal passageway sized to receive the locking pin therein. The suture lock is operable between a locked configuration and unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration, the suture strands are compressed between the grip and the internal wall of the tubular body. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300630 | MEDICAL DEVICE FOR POSITIONING BONE ELEMENTS, IN PARTICULAR VERTEBRAE, RELATIVE TO EACH OTHER, AS WELL AS A TOOL FOR THE PLACEMENT, PART BY PART, OF SUCH A MEDICAL DEVICE - The invention relates to a medical device for positioning bone elements, in particular vertebrae, relative to each other, comprising at least one assembly built up of two or more anchoring elements, which can each be implanted in a bone element with a first end thereof, as well as an elongated connecting element, which can be connected to the other ends of the anchoring elements projecting from the bone element in question. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300631 | Device and unit for the posterior dynamic guidance of the spine and treatment system comprising such a device - This guidance device ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300632 | Method of fabricating medical devices and medical devices made thereby - A method of fabricating medical devices and medical devices made from the method of fabricating a medical device, the medical device, without being exhaustive, may be a medical instrument, an implant, a prosthetic, a body support structure or the like. The method includes work-hardening a work-hardenable metal to achieve a desired microstructure of the metal, then fabricating a medical device in accordance with the desired microstructure utilizing the work-hardened metal. In one form, the desired microstructure is an elongated grain structure. The medical device is created from the grain-elongated metal such that the medical device is oriented relative to the plane of grain elongation. In a particular form of the invention, the medical device is a curved spine plate wherein elongated grains of the work hardened metal are oriented in a plane normal to a curvature of the spine plate. Work-hardening includes forging, cold rolling or hot rolling, and annealing prior to use in medical device fabrication. This creates a metal implant stock that has more strength and flexibility in compression and bending than without undergoing the present work-hardening. These properties are exploited in medical device design, fabrication, fabrication orientation and/or the like to create medical devices such as super strong implants. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300633 | Dynamic stabilization connecting member with pre-tensioned solid core - A dynamic longitudinal connecting member assembly includes an anchor member having an integral or otherwise fixed elongate core of circular or non-circular cross-section. The core is pre-tensioned and extends through at least one elastic spacer and at least one outer sleeve. The anchor member and the outer sleeve each attach to at least one bone anchor. In operation, the core is held in tension by the spacer. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300634 | SPINAL INTERBODY SYSTEM AND METHOD - Embodiments of the present invention provide spinal implant systems and methods. According to one embodiment, a plate attached to one or more vertebrae can prevent expulsion of an interbody device from a disc space. The plate and interbody device can be coupled by an attachment member. According to one embodiment, the attachment member is coupled to the plate and includes a portion inserted in a threaded or non-threaded cavity. Preferably, the coupling between the plate and attachment member allows rotation in three dimensions thereby allowing the plate to rotate relative to the interbody device. This allows the plate to be better positioned for attachment to the spine during an operation. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300635 | ADJUSTABLE SPINAL SYSTEM - A system and method for facilitating the installation of spinals support members on consecutive vertebrae where the optimal positioning of screws does not form a straight line. The system includes a first plate spanning a first and second vertebrae, a second plate spanning the second vertebrae and a third vertebrae and an offset member coupling the first plate to the second plate at a defined angle to accommodate the anatomical variations of the patients vertebrae. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300636 | Fracture reduction instrument for osseous body - The invention relates to a fracture reduction instrument for an osseous body, extending between a distal end ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300637 | Systems and methods for using polyaxial plates - Certain embodiments of the invention provide plates for treating periarticular fractures or other non-full body weight bearing applications that combine polyaxial fixation with a low profile and enhanced contouring that more closely conforms to bone. Such plates can be designed to achieve buttressing effect and/or to be used in a reinforcement mode. Other features can be combined with these. Such plates can be created for use on bone sites such as on a tibia, fibula, metatarsal, calcaneous, other foot bone, humerus, radius, ulna, spinal, maxillofacial, as well as sites on other bones. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300638 | BREAK-OFF SCREW EXTENSIONS - The present invention provides minimally invasive devices and methods for delivering a spinal connector to one or more spinal anchor sites in a patient's spinal column. In one embodiment, a spinal implant and access device is provided that includes a U-shaped receiver member, a bone-engaging member, and an extension member. The U-shaped receiver member can have a recess formed therein that is adapted to seat a spinal connector. The bone-engaging member can extend distally from the receiver member and it can be adapted to engage bone to thereby mate the receiver member to bone. The extension member can extend proximally from the receiver member and it can include a frangible portion formed thereon that is adapted to break when a predetermined force is applied thereto thereby allowing at least a portion of the extension member to be separated from the receiver member. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300639 | Bone Screw, In Particular for Osteosynthesis - A bone screw ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300640 | System and Method for Achieving Regular Slow Ventricular Rhythm in Response to Atrial Fibrillation | 2008-12-04 |
20080300641 | CARDIAC INFORMATION AND ACTIVITY INFORMATION ASSOCIATION SYSTEMS, APPARATUS, AND METHODS - Embodiments include cardiac information and activity information association systems, apparatus, and methods. An apparatus embodiment includes a cardiac sensor adapted to generate cardiac information descriptive of cardiac functioning of a patient, an activity sensor adapted to generate activity information indicating physical activity of the patient, a processing element adapted to detect a cardiac anomaly based on the cardiac information, an information association element adapted to generate associated cardiac/activity information during the cardiac anomaly, and a data storage apparatus adapted to store the associated cardiac/activity information. A method embodiment includes generating cardiac information descriptive of cardiac functioning of a patient, detecting a cardiac anomaly based on the cardiac information, generating activity information descriptive of physical activity of the patient during the cardiac anomaly, associating the cardiac information and the activity information, during the cardiac anomaly, to generate associated cardiac/activity information, and storing the associated cardiac/activity information. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300642 | REGENERATION TREATMENT APPARATUS, OPERATING METHOD THEREOF, AND REGENERATION TREATMENT METHOD - The cell viability in cell transplantation is improved so as to achieve sufficient repair of organ. There is provided a regeneration treatment apparatus comprising: a heart rate detector which detects a heart rate of a patient; a memory part which stores a heart rate prior to stimulation; stimulating electrodes which stimulate a vagus nerve that controls an organ having transplanted cells; and a control unit which controls an intensity of a stimulation signal to be output from the stimulating electrodes to the vagus nerve so that the heart rate of the patient detected by the heart rate detector is decreased by 5 to | 2008-12-04 |
20080300643 | Heart failure therapy adjustment based on ventricular pressures - Pacing left and right ventricles of the heart for delivery of heart failure therapy involves measuring right ventricular (RV) pressure and a left ventricular (LV) pressure, and computing a parameter developed from one or both of the RV and LV pressure measurements. The parameter is indicative of a degree of left and right ventricular synchronization. At least one parameter of a heart failure pacing therapy is adjusted based on the parameter to improve synchronization of the right and left ventricles. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300644 | Method for reducing phrenic nerve stimulation - Methods and devices for reducing phrenic nerve stimulation of cardiac pacing systems involve delivering a pacing pulse to a ventricle of a heart. A transthoracic impedance signal is sensed, and a deviation in the signal resulting from the pacing pulse may be used to determine phrenic nerve stimulation. Methods may further involve detecting the phrenic nerve stimulation from the pacing pulse by delivering two or more pacing pulse to the ventricle of the heart, and determining a temporal relationship. A pacing vector may be selected from the two or more vectors that effects cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. A pacing voltage and/or pulse width may be selected that provides cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. In other embodiments, a pacing pulse width and a pacing voltage may be selected from a patient's strength-duration curve that effects cardiac capture and reduces the phrenic nerve stimulation. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300645 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300646 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300647 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300648 | TREATMENT OF CARDIOMYOPATHY, HEART FAILURE AND CARDIAC ISCHEMIA USING STIMULATION INDUCED SECRETION OF GLP-1 - An exemplary method for treating heart failure includes diagnosing heart failure and calling for delivery of energy to the distal ileum to activate L cells using an implantable device where activation of L cells causes release of GLP-1 and where release of GLP-1 treats heart failure. Various other methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300650 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL LEAD INCLUDING VOIDING EVENT SENSOR - An implantable medical lead includes at least one stimulation electrode and at least one sensor configured to generate an electrical signal that varies as a function of a parameter associated with a voiding event of a patient. In some embodiments, the sensor may be at least one of a microphone that captures sounds associated with voiding events, a pressure sensor, a flow sensor, a strain gauge, a physiological parameter sensing electrode or a temperature sensor. The electrical signal generated by the sensor may used to detect an occurrence of a voiding event. Thus, the lead may be coupled wirelessly or via a wired connection to a device that processes the electrical signal from the sensor, generates voiding information based on the electrical signal, and in some cases, records the voiding information for later retrieval and analysis. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300651 | VOIDING EVENT IDENTIFICATION BASED ON PATIENT INPUT - An implantable medical device (IMD) is configured to operate as an automatic voiding diary for logging urinary and/or fecal voiding events. The IMD detects urinary and/or fecal voiding events and generates data that identifies detected events as voluntary or involuntary events. In particular, the IMD generates the identification data based on a patient defined action. In one embodiment, the patient defined action is the patient tapping on the skin located above the IMD. The IMD may generate the identification data based on one or more characteristics of the tapping, e.g., the number, frequency, duration, or pattern of taps. The IMD may also generate the identification data based on a lack of input during a specific range of time after a detected voiding event. In some embodiments, the identification data may be used to identify a false positive, i.e., an event that was incorrectly detected by the IMD. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300652 | Systems and Methods for Inducing Intelligible Hearing - The present invention comprises systems and methods for inducing auditory sensations in patients by stimulating the inferior colliculus of the mammalian midbrain. In some embodiments, the invention comprises an auditory prosthesis system comprising a microphone, a sound processor, a current stimulator, and one or more stimulating electrodes disposed in the inferior colliculus of a mammal. At least one of the stimulating electrodes may be comprised of one or more shanks, each shank comprised of one or more stimulation sites. In some embodiments, without limitation, the invention comprises methods of inducing auditory sensation in a mammal, comprising the steps of providing a microphone, a sound processor, and a current stimulator; providing one or more stimulating electrodes each comprised of two or more shanks, each shank comprised of one or more stimulation sites; disposing at least one stimulating electrode in the inferior colliculus of a mammal; and stimulating at least one isofrequency lamina of the inferior colliculus by applying an electrical signal through at least one of the stimulation sites. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300653 | Cochlear Implant Fitting System - A method comprises adjusting baseline auditory stimulation parameters of a cochlear implant on a living body and providing auditory electrical stimulation to a living body via electrodes of the cochlear implant in combination with adjusting the auditory stimulation parameters of the cochlear implant to the living body in real time, retaining a database of used auditory stimulation parameters for a patient and selecting, in real time, from the database a desired one of the stimulation parameters that produces desired hearing percepts in a patient. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300654 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPY SYSTEM - A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The implantable component is configured to receive a selected therapy program and a selected therapy schedule from the external component. The implantable component is adapted to be selectively configured into one of a training mode and a delivery mode. The implantable component is configured to apply therapy to the internal anatomical feature in accordance with the selected therapy program and the selected therapy schedule when configured in the delivery mode. The implantable component is configured to simulate application of therapy when configured in the training mode. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300655 | TECHNIQUES TO MONITOR AND TREND NERVE DAMAGE AND RECOVERY - An exemplary method includes implementing a nerve stimulation therapy that includes delivering stimulation energy to a target nerve, periodically acquiring compound action potentials responsive to the delivered stimulation energy and assessing condition of the target nerve based at least in part on the periodically acquired compound action potentials. Various other exemplary methods, devices, systems, etc., are also disclosed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300656 | IMPLANTABLE THERAPY SYSTEM - A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. The external component can be configured into one of multiple selectable operating modes. The therapy system also may include a first external antenna configured to communicate with the implantable component and a second external antenna configured to communicate with the implantable component. Plugging one of the external antennas into the external component automatically configures the external component into one of the operating modes. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300657 | THERAPY SYSTEM - A therapy system for applying an electrical signal to an internal anatomical feature of a patient includes an implantable component and an external component. Initial values for the parameters of a therapy program can be incremented after a predetermined period of time by a predetermined amount to obtain a subsequent value of the parameter and therapy can be applied using the subsequent value. A sensor may be implanted within the patient to determine an activity level of the patient. Weight loss of the patient can be analyzed to determine whether the weight loss corresponds to the activity level of the patient. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300658 | IMPLANTABLE MEDICAL DEVICE WITH INTEGRATED ANTENNA SYSTEM - The present invention is related to active implantable medical devices comprising an antenna and a band diplexer connected to said antenna. The band diplexer comprises first filter means for a first signal to be transmitted and/or received in a first RF band and second filter means for a second signal to be transmitted and/or received in a second RF band. A method of bidirectional wireless communication is disclosed between an active implantable medical device and an external device, comprising the steps of: communicating unidirectionally from the external device to the implantable medical device over a first wireless link in a first RF band in the MI near-field and communicating unidirectionally from the implantable medical device to the external device over a second wireless link in a second RF band in the EM field. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300659 | Implantable medical device which may be controlled from central station - An implantable medical device (IMD) comprises a transmitting/receiving (T/R) device for transmitting medical data sensed from a patient to, and for receiving control signals from, a medical expert (a human medical professional and/or a computerized expert system) at a remote location; an electronic medical treatment device for treating the patient in response to control signals applied thereto; and a sensor circuit, having a sensor circuit output, for producing sensor circuit output signal(s) representing medical data sensed from the patient. The IMD also includes logic device which analyzes the sensor circuit output signal(s) to detect a medical abnormality which requires notification of the medical expert at the remote location, and generates notification signal(s) if required. T/R device transmits the notification signal(s) as well as signal(s) representing a medical state of said patient to the remote location. The logic device is also operative to generate local treatment device control signal(s) based on an analysis of the sensor circuit output signal(s) and to generate a remote treatment device control signal in response to real time remote control signal(s) received from the remote location. The medical treatment device of the IMD thus delivers therapy to the patient in response to either the local treatment device control signal(s) or the remote treatment device control signal(s), or both. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300660 | Power generation for implantable devices - An implantable, rechargeable medical system comprised of an implanted device, a power storage device connected to the implantable device, and a charging device operatively connected to the electrical storage device. The charging device can be thermoelectric and have components for transferring thermal energy from an intracranial heat accumulator to an extra-cranial heat sink, for generating an electrical current from the thermal energy transfer, for charging the electrical storage device using the electrical current, for measuring power generation, usage and reserve levels, for measuring temperatures of the intracranial and extra-cranial components, for physically disrupting heat transfer and charging operations, and for generating signals relevant to the status of temperature and electricity transfer in relation to energy generation criteria. The system may also have long-range and short range wireless power harvesting capability as well as movement, and photovoltaic charging capability. Components may be dual purpose, being used for receiving wireless energy as well as for accomplishing other operations such as sensing or stimulating. Specialized accessories assist with providing enhanced wireless power charging. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300661 | Perceptible Apparatus and Methods for Reactive Effect - A perceptible apparatus and methods for use and calibration in helping to create a reactive effect upon a user is disclosed. The present invention includes control circuitry operative to generate a one of a plurality of selected signals. Also included is structure for producing a variable perceptible output in response to one of a plurality of the selected signals and a translucent element adjacent to the structure for producing a variable perceptible output, the translucent element is operative to diffuse and emit the variable perceptible output. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300662 | Custom Laser Sequences - A custom laser sequencing system is disclosed. The system may include a laser coupled with a catheter. The catheter may include a fiber optic that directs light from the laser toward unwanted material on a vessel wall. The system may also include a modulator and a controller. The modulator is adapted to modulate the operational parameters of the laser, such as, the repetition rate and/or the fluence. The controller may be electrically coupled with the modulator and adapted to include instruction to cause the modulator to pulse the laser with a first set of operational parameters, and while the laser is pulsing, pulse the laser with a second set of operational parameters. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300663 | NANO- AND MICRO-SCALE WIRELESS STIMULATING PROBE - Untethered micro or nanoscale probes may be dispersed within tissue to be individually addressed through external electromagnetic radiation to create local electrical currents used for direct stimulation, alteration of cellular potentials, or the release or modification of contained or attached chemical compounds. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300664 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PLACING A CORONARY SINUS/CARDIAC VEIN PACING AND DEFIBRILLATION LEAD WITH ADJUSTABLE ELECTRODE SPACING - A medical electrical lead, which may be useful in coupling an implantable medical device, is comprised of a first and second lead. The first lead has a first electrode coupled adjacent a distal end portion thereof. The distal end portion of the first lead is anchorable in the coronary sinus of a patient. The second lead is coupled with and moveable along the first lead. The second lead has a second electrode located thereon wherein the position of the first and second electrodes may be varied relative to one another by movement of the second lead along the first lead. A rubber tip holds the relative position of each electrode. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300665 | MEDICAL IMPLANT, IN PARTICULAR STENT - A medical implantable stent comprising a main structure ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300666 | BIFURCATED DELIVERY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A catheter assembly includes an elongate main catheter branch and an elongate side catheter branch. The main catheter branch includes an arc shape and an inflatable balloon extending along a portion of the arc. The side catheter branch extends along the main catheter branch within a plane of the curvature of the arc of the main catheter branch. A stent can be positioned along the inflatable balloon. The stent includes a lateral branch opening through which the side catheter branch extends. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300667 | SYSTEM FOR DELIVERING A STENT - A stent delivery system comprising a guide having a retention member configured to exert either an internal force or an external force on the stent to assist in retaining the stent on the guide. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300668 | STENT/FIBER STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS - A plurality of endoluminal segments axially connected by fiber bridges is disclosed. The endoluminal segments may either be balloon-expandable or self-expanding, with the preferred embodiment being superelastic nitinol. The intraluminal segments may possess a textured surface or at least one geometric feature per segment, preferably located at the apex of a strut pair comprising the intraluminal segment, preferably capable of serving as an anchoring point for the fiber bridges. These geometric features may transmit axially compressive loads during deployment from a device such as a catheter, and may further be capable of interlocking the endoluminal segments when constrained within a device such as a catheter. The fibers comprising the bridges may be polymeric, silk, collagen, bioabsorbable, or a blend thereof. The fiber network comprising the bridges may be regularly oriented, randomly oriented, localized, or continuous. Moreover, the intraluminal segments and fiber bridges may be individually impregnated with therapeutic material, or may both be impregnated with therapeutic material. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300669 | In situ trapping and delivery of agent by a stent having trans-strut depots - A method of delivering an agent into a bodily lumen, the method comprising: implanting an implantable medical device into a treatment site of a lumen, the device having an abluminal face and a luminal face, wherein the device includes depots that extend from an open end at a luminal face to an open end at an abluminal face; and introducing an agent into the open end of the depots at the luminal face such that the agent is delivered to the treatment site through the open end at the abluminal face. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300670 | Fabricating a stent from a blow molded tube - Disclosed is a method for fabricating a stent, the method comprising: positioning a polymeric tube inside a mold, wherein a high thermally conductive element covers at least a portion of the outer surface of the mold, the high thermally conductive element having a thermal conductivity that is greater than that of the mold; heating at least a portion of the mold; radially expanding the tube against the mold; and fabricating a stent from the radially expanded tube. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300671 | Stent having high expansion ratio - An expandable frame movable between a collapsed configuration and an expanded configuration includes at least one first member. The at least one first member includes a plurality of substantially parallel first struts and a plurality of second struts. Each second strut is coupled between adjacent first struts and is substantially perpendicular to adjacent first struts with the frame in the collapsed configuration defining a plurality of open cells to facilitate expansion of the frame. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300672 | Devices and Methods for Magnetic Tissue Support - Devices and methods are disclosed for providing tissue support within the body. A metallic component and a magnetic component are used and allowed to interact through the body of the tissue such that the attractive forces between these components provides the external support needed by that tissue to properly function within its position. Such a technique is described with respect to the particular example of correction of aneurysms. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300673 | RADIOPAQUE COMPOSITIONS, STENTS AND METHODS OF PREPARATION - The invention relates to an implantable radiopaque stent adapted to be disposed in a body lumen. In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of elongate filaments including one or more radiopaque filaments are arranged to form a hollow tubular structure having a tubular wall that defines an inner surface and an outer surface and opposing first open end and second open end. One of the open ends of the stent is formed by an intersection of adjacent filament ends. A radiopaque compound is applied to the intersection, the radiopaque compound comprising radiopaque material and polymeric material. The radiopaque compound and radiopaque filament provide improved external imaging of the tubular structure on imaging equipment. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300674 | Intravascular Stent - A stent comprises a first expansion strut column of first expansion strut pairs and a second expansion strut column of second expansion strut pairs. Each first expansion strut pair is connected to a second expansion strut pair by a connecting strut. Each connecting strut comprises at least one wrap portion, the at least one wrap portion being at least partially wrapped about at least one of the first joining portions of at least one of the first expansion strut column and the second expansion strut column. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300675 | POLYMERIC STENTS AND OTHER SURGICAL ARTICLES - A biocompatible non-memory expandable polymeric article selected from stents, implantable prostheses, catheters, other surgical articles and sealants for implantable prostheses, and which is at least in part biodegradable and includes a combination where hollow cylindrical element (2) is depicted in cutaway form to reveal helical element (4), terminated schematically at (6) and where a combination of at least one thermoplastic elastomeric component and at least one thermoplastic non-elastomeric component, the article being either porous articles or having the potential to become porous by action of body fluids in situ), the thermoplastic non-elastomeric component being present in such an amount as will provide mechanical strength and rigidity to the article when in an expanded mode. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300676 | Heart Valve Prosthesis - A heart valve prosthesis disclosed in two- and three-leaflet versions includes a ring-shaped body, leaflets, and leaflet turn stops. For the two-leaflet version, the stops represent two pairs of prominences located on a body end surface facing the blood down-flow. The first pair has internal surfaces, at least partially made flat, adapted to interact with flat sections of the leaflets to restrict the return blood flow in the closed position. The first pair is equipped with at least two rests interacting with a leaflet top surface facing the blood down-flow in its open position determining a leaflet turning angle. Each prominence of the second pair is located opposite a portion of the lateral surface of the corresponding leaflet most distant from a leaflet central surface and can interact with its internal surface with that part of the lateral surface during opening of the heart valve prosthesis. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300677 | Method of treatment and devices for the treatment of left ventricular failure - The effects of acute left ventricular heart failure are mitigated by temporary support of the cardiac function through use of either one or both of an expendable temporary one-way valve positioned in the aorta, having a collapsible frame that is expanded upon deployment, and/or a temporary dilation device positioned in the descending aorta for expanding upon deployment to increase the diameter of the associated portion of the aorta. When used together, the dilation device is positioned distal to the temporary one-way valve. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300678 | Percutaneous valve, system and method - Apparatus, systems, and methods for percutaneous valve replacement and/or augmentation are provided. The apparatus includes a valve having a valve frame, a valve leaflet coupled to the valve frame, and a leaflet transition member coupled to the valve leaflet. The valve leaflet and leaflet transition member can transition from a first position where the valve leaflet and leaflet frame are at least partially outside a lumen of the valve frame to a second position where the valve leaflet and the leaflet transition member are within the lumen of the valve frame. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300679 | Diffractive Intraocular Lens - An IOL, comprising a first diffractive region, and a second diffractive region having a power of a different magnitude than the first diffractive region, the first region adapted to diffract substantially all light at a first selected wavelength projected therethrough into a single order of diffraction, and the second region adapted to diffract substantially all light at a second selected wavelength projected therethrough into a single order of diffraction. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300680 | Accommodating Intraocular Lens (Aiol) and Discrete Components Therefor - Accommodating intraocular (AIOL) assemblies ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300681 | BIOLOGICAL TISSUE GROWTH THROUGH INDUCED TENSILE STRESS - A tissue expansion device implanted in a non-activated state over a region of desired tissue growth. Once implanted and positioned the device is activated creating a supporting structure that creates a convex shaped dome over the underlying tissue. The convex shaped dome formed by the tissue expansion device places a tensile stress against the underlying tissue that promotes tissue growth. Alone or with the introduction of tissue enhancing agents and/or adipose tissue, new tissue within the convex shaped void grows until a balance is achieved eliminating the induced stress. Periodically the tissue expansion devices is again activated and enlarged creating an even larger void. Again, the newly enlarged void places additional tensile stress on the underlying tissue thus repeating the cycle of new tissue growth. Once the desired amount of tissue growth has been achieved the device is deactivated and removed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300682 | Sintered Coatings For Implantable Prostheses - The present invention concerns articles having an outer surface that bears at least two layers of metal particles, wherein the at least two layers comprise an outermost layer and an intermediate layer; the outermost layer consisting essentially of aspherical metallic particles having a mean particle size of 50 to 500 microns; and the intermediate layer consisting essentially of substantially spherical metallic particles having a mean particle size of from 50 to 500 microns. In some embodiments, the outer surface has a volume porosity of between about 20% to about 80%. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300683 | PROSTHETIC DEVICE AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING THE SAME - A knitted prosthetic device has at least two knitted sections, where each knitted section has at least one row of fiber. The knitted prosthetic device also has at least one intra-articular section disposed between the at least two knitted sections. In addition, the at least one intra-articular section has at least one single continuous fiber traversing the at least one intra-articular section and the at least two knitted sections, where the at least one single continuous fiber forms a plurality of traverses extending between the at least two knitted sections. In particular, embodiments may be used as ligament prostheses by anchoring each of the at least two knitted sections to a bone section of a patient. Such embodiments may be constructed from a strong polymer, preferably, but not limited to, silk, where the polymer provides ligament support but bioresorbs as load bearing responsibilities are transferred to tissue resulting from in-growth. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300684 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLED DELIVERY OF BONE MORPHOGENIC PROTEIN AND OTHER BONE GRAFT SUBSTITUTES FOR BONE FORMATION, REPAIR AND HEALING - An implant system delivers bone morphogenic protein (BMP) and other substances to the human body. The implant system includes an intake module for receiving the BMP and other substances. The intake module includes a reservoir implanted at least partially in the body. The implant system includes a delivery module implanted in the human body and configured to administer the BMP and other substances. The delivery module is connected to the intake module through one or more tubes implanted in the human body. The tubes transport the BMP and other substances from the intake module to the delivery module. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300685 | Posterior Total Joint Replacement - A prosthetic system for implantation between upper and lower vertebrae comprises an upper joint component. The upper joint component comprises an upper contact surface and an upper articulation surface. The system further includes a lower joint component. The lower joint component comprises a lower contact surface and a lower articulation surface configured to movably engage the upper articulation surface to form an articulating joint. The articulating joint is adapted for implantation within a disc space between the upper and lower vertebrae, allowing the upper and lower vertebrae to move relative to one another. The system further includes a bridge component extending posteriorly from one of either the upper or lower joint components and from the disc space. The bridge component has a distal end opposite the one of the either upper or lower joint components. The distal end of the bridge component comprises a connection component adapted to receive a fastener. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300686 | PERCUTANEOUS INTERSPINOUS PROCESS DEVICE AND METHOD - A percutaneous interspinous process device for treating spinal conditions includes a first section, a second section, and a locking mechanism. The first section defines a first lateral surface, a first medial surface and a first lumen extending from the first lateral surface to the first medial surface. The second section defines a second lateral surface, a second medial surface and a second lumen extending from the second lateral surface. The locking mechanism includes an elongate member protruding from the first medial surface of the first section and a medial recess defined in the second medial surface of the second section. The medial recess is configured for securely receiving at least a portion of the elongate member. The elongate member is configured to define a space between adjacent spinous processes and maintain a predetermined distance between adjacent spinous processes. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300687 | Medical implantation device for spine - A medical implantation device for spine is disclosed which includes a flexible container with one end thereof being provided with an infusion end and having one or more layers of flexible peripheral wall; and a tubular component receiving the flexible container with the infusion end and another end of the flexible contained exposing from two ends of the tubular component, and the tubular component is to be implanted between two adjacent spinous processes; wherein the tubular component has an outer diameter greater than a distance between the two adjacent spinous processes, and a medical filling is infused into the flexible container via the infusion end thereof, so that an inflation of a middle section of the flexible container is restricted by the tubular component and the infusion end and the another end of the flexible container are inflated to be movably pressed on the two sides of the two adjacent spinous processes. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300688 | INTERVERTEBRAL IMPLANT COMPONENT WITH THREE POINTS OF CONTACT - A method of implanting an intervertebral implant or component thereof, in which each component is selected to have an inner surface and an outer surface which engages an adjacent vertebra and presents only three distinct points of contact with a cortical rim of the vertebra. The outer surface is selected to have a footprint which is sized to be within that of the cortical rim. In disclosed embodiments, the footprint can be convexo-concave shaped or kidney shaped. The intervertebral implant can be provided with upper and lower (or first and second) components which engage adjacent first and second vertebrae and which move relative to one another. The implant has both the first and second outer surfaces sized to present a respective footprint sufficient for two lateral-anterior and one posterior points of contact with an adjacent cortical rim of the respective first and second vertebra. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300689 | Patellar Components - Embodiments of the present invention provide patellar component designs that are optimally shaped to help reduce shear force and accommodate slight implantation error. Further, they help lessen anterior knee pain, particularly during deep-flexion activities and help ease the transition during the range of knee movement in a controlled way. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300690 | MOBILE BEARING KNEE PROSTHESIS - In one embodiment of the present invention a mobile bearing knee prosthesis may include an interface (e.g., a spherical radius interface) comprised of a concave superior surface on a tray and a convex inferior surface on a tibial insert. In another embodiment of the present invention a mobile bearing knee prosthesis may include an interface (e.g., a spherical radius interface) comprised of a convex superior surface on a tibial tray and a concave inferior surface on a insert. In another embodiment of the present invention a mobile bearing knee prosthesis may include a bi-concave interface (e.g., having a “wave” like surface geometry). This “wave” like surface geometry may be at the second bearing (i.e., at the interface between a tibial insert and a tray in the mobile bearing knee as opposed to the interface between the tibial insert and a femoral component). | 2008-12-04 |
20080300691 | Biomimetic Synthetic Nerve Implant Casting Device - A biomimetic biosynthetic nerve implant (BNI) casting device includes a matrix casting tube; a matrix casting tube protective shield comprising a male coupling portion joinable to a female coupling portion, wherein the joined portions encase the matrix casting tube; microchannel forming fibers; a fixing point for holding one end of the microchannel forming fibers; loading fiber guideholes for placement of the microchannel forming fibers; one or more ports for injection of matrix material into the casting tube; and a cell suspension loading well in fluid communication with the matrix casting tube when the device is fully assembled such that removing the fibers from the formed implant can draw fluid containing cells and/or other agents into the microchannels. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300692 | Prosthetic Ankle and Foot Combination - A prosthetic ankle and foot combination has an ankle joint mechanism constructed to allow damped rotational movement of a foot component relative to a shin component. The mechanism provides a continuous hydraulically damped range of ankle motion during walking with dynamically variable damping resistances, and with independent variation of damping resistances in the plantarflexion and dorsiflexion directions. An electronic control system coupled to the ankle joint mechanism includes at least one sensor for generating signals indicative of a kinetic or kinematic parameter of locomotion, the mechanism and the control system being arranged such that the damping resistances effective over the range of motion of the ankle are adapted automatically in response to such signals. Single and dual piston hydraulic damping arrangements are disclosed, including arrangements allowing independent heel-height adjustment. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300693 | Process Control System and Method - An automated process control system ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300694 | OPERATOR INTERFACE TERMINAL FOR CORRELATING DATA POINTS TO TIME POINTS - An operator interface terminal receives individual data points from a machine at individual time points. The operator interface terminal correlates the individual data points to the individual time points as the data points are received. The operator interface terminal transfers the data points correlated to the time points to a central information system. The operator interface terminal receives a control instruction from an operator. The operator interface terminal processes the control instruction to transfer a control signal to the machine, wherein the control signal drives the machine to operate based on the control instruction. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300695 | Integrated Programmer Reference For Industrial Control Device Data - A computer program to assist in programming an industrial control system provides a programmer with a functional description of the data of low-level devices in the industrial controller, as gleaned from electronic data sheets, whose data is extracted and combined with mapping data used during the configuration of the industrial controller. The functional description may be used to create a reference for the programmer that may be incorporated into the control program source file. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300696 | Environment Adaptation for Schizophrenic User - An environmental controller ( | 2008-12-04 |
20080300697 | Measurement Project Analyzer - System and method for creating a measurement application. User input specifying a sequence of functions implementing a measurement application is received, where the sequence of functions are executable to perform a specified task utilizing one or more hardware devices, and where the user input further specifies the hardware devices. Configuration of the measurement application is automatically analyzed according to rules specifying operation of the sequence of functions and the hardware devices. One or more errors in the measurement application are automatically determined based on the analyzing, and error information regarding the errors is displayed on a computer display, where the error information is usable to modify the measurement application to correct the one or more errors. In response to the error information, user input modifying the measurement application to correct the one or more errors may be received and/or the measurement application may be automatically modified to correct the errors. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300698 | User Configurable Alarms and Alarm Trending For Process Control System - Various graphical displays for plant process operators are provided which combine aspects of alarm priority and alarm age to assist operators in making better choices in responding to alarms. The disclosed graphical displays provide improved contextual information about specific alarms and the relationships with other alarms in the same control module, equipment module, etc. Hierarchically organized presentations of active alarms and alarm age profiles are also provided to assist operators in evaluating causes of “alarm floods” in chain reactions within complex process environments. Various types of alarm or display alerts are also provided for improved monitoring of processed conditions and changes in process controls. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300699 | Golf handicap and statistics display unit - An apparatus for calculating a golfer's handicap and other statistics for determining such golfer's strengths and weaknesses. The apparatus comprises a portable unit containing software for recording, storing and analyzing pertinent data. A keyboard is disposed on one side of the portable unit for entering data, such keyboard having an alphanumeric keypad and function keys. There is a means disposed in the apparatus for outputting the analyzed data that had been previously inputted into the portable unit. A power means is disposed in the portable unit for providing power to such portable unit. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300700 | CROWD NOISE ANALYSIS - The present invention generally provides a way to analyze crowd noise to identify “highlights” or the like. Specifically, an audio stream containing crowd noise from an event (e.g., sporting event, political rally, religious gathering, etc) is captured (e.g., using microphones) and time coded. The audio stream is normalized based on geography and processed to remove undesired artifacts and to identify a set (at least one) of highlights. Based on at least one threshold, at least one highlight is selected from the set of highlights. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300701 | COMMAND TRANSMITTING APPARATUS - A command transmitting apparatus includes: an input section having a first key and a second key; a mode setting section having a normal mode and a menu mode, shifting from the normal mode to the menu mode in response to an operation of the first key, and shifting from the menu mode to the normal mode after lapse of predetermined time which is the same as the predetermined time set in the content reproducing apparatus; a command transmitting section for transmitting the first command to the content reproducing apparatus in response to an operation on the first key; and a mode determining section for determining a mode set in the mode setting section when the second key is operated. When it is determined that the mode setting section is in the normal mode, the command transmitting section transmits a second command for controlling the normal mode of the content reproducing apparatus to the content reproducing apparatus. When it is determined that the mode setting section is in the menu mode, the command transmitting section transmits a third command for controlling the menu mode of the content reproducing apparatus to the content reproducing apparatus. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300702 | MUSIC SIMILARITY SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING DESCRIPTORS - Systems and methods for determining similarity between two or more audio pieces are disclosed. An illustrative method for determining musical similarities includes extracting one or more descriptors from each audio piece, generating a vector for each of the audio pieces, extracting one or more audio features from each of the audio pieces, calculating values for each audio feature, calculating a distance between a vector containing the normalized values and the vectors containing the audio pieces, and outputting a response to a user or process indicating the similarity between the audio pieces. The descriptors can be used in performing content-based audio classification and for determining similarities between music. The descriptors that can be extracted from each audio piece can include tonal descriptors, dissonance descriptors, rhythm descriptors, and spatial descriptors. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300703 | HEARING DEVICE WITH EMBEDDED CHANNEL - A hearing device having at least one of an acoustical/electrical converter and an electrical/acoustical converter respectively with an acoustical input or output. The input or output, as the case may be, is linked to a coupling opening at the outer surface of the device via a channel. At least a part of the outer surface of the device is formed by a one-part shell. The shell defines an inner space of the device, with the channel being provided within and along the part of the shell and being formed within the material of the shell. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300704 | Method and process for producing personalized ornamental bulbs - A method and system for producing a personal ornamental product and a custom 3D color or monochrome sculpture incorporated into the ornamental product as a keepsake ornament. The method includes the collecting three-dimensional data from one or more sensors, adjusting the 2½D or 3D data, merging the 2½D or 3D data to produce a 2½D or 3D model, rectifying the model, preparing the sculpture for building, combining the sculpture with a bulb, producing the product with a rapid prototype device, and finishing the product. The ornamental product may be composite, porcelain, ceramic, glass, metal, etc. and often takes the form of a Christmas Tree Ornament but also may be very large and designed for table top display or otherwise. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300705 | INTEGRATION OF JOB SHOP SCHEDULING WITH DISCRETE EVENT SIMULATION FOR MANUFACTURING FACILITIES - A method and system for integrating job shop scheduling with discrete event simulation for manufacturing facilities are provided. In one aspect a simulator simulates discrete events of a facility using a job schedule generated by a scheduler. The simulator simulates the facility based on one or more local rules, one or more resources, and one or more parameters associated with said locals rules and said resources. The simulator further models said one or more parameters as random variables and using said random variables in its simulation of the facility. The scheduler receives feedback based on output from the simulating step. The feedback includes at least an instruction to the scheduler to include at least one of said one or more resource and to change said one or more parameters based on said modeling of said one or more parameters as random variables. The scheduler uses the feedback for generating an updated schedule. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300706 | System and method for real-time system control using precomputed plans - Features described herein relate to optimizing a job plan procedure for selecting a plan for executing a manufacturing job. A planner can receive a model of a system that is to perform a job, and may select a precomputed plan that is sufficient to perform the job. The precomputed plan is identified during a first portion of a planning period, and the remainder of the planning period may be utilized to search for and identify a better plan for executing the job. If a better plan cannot be identified by the end of the planning period, then the selected precomputed plan can be executed. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300707 | System and method for on-line planning utilizing multiple planning queues - Features described herein relate to concurrently processing multiple batches of job requests for one or more machines and/or components thereof, using a plurality of job planning queues. Each batch of job requests is allocated to a planning queue, and each planning queue comprises an unplanned subqueue that stores unplanned jobs, an unsent subqueue that stores planned jobs waiting to be executed, and a sent subqueue that stores planned jobs that have been output to the machine(s) for execution. A job planner and related components determine which unsent subqueue has the fewest planned jobs at a given point in time, and selects an unplanned job from the unplanned subqueue in the same planning queue as the identified unsent subqueue. The planner then generates a plan for the selected job and inserts the planned job into the unsent subqueue for eventual output to the machine(s) for execution. In this manner, the unsent subqueues for each planning queue are maintained with substantially equal numbers of planned jobs ready for execution, which improves throughput by ensuring that all machines and/or associated components are kept busy. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300708 | Model-based planning using query-based component executable instructions - A method for planning machine control for a system includes determining one or more capabilities and one or more capability constraints for each component used to execute a plan for processing a job by the system. The plan is incrementally constructed based on the components, the one or more capabilities, and the one or more constraints. One or more sets of executable instructions are queried with incremental portions of the plan, wherein each set of executable instructions is associated with a different one of the components and represents the actions that are performed by its corresponding component, each incremental portion includes actions that are to be performed by its corresponding component, and each set of executable instructions executes the incremental portion it received. Upon receiving confirmation from each of the queried sets of executable instructions that indicates each of the components is able to perform the actions in the incremental portions, a final plan for processing the job is generated. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300709 | PROCESS CONTROL SYSTEM USING SPATIALLY DEPENDENT DATA FOR CONTROLLING A WEB-BASED PROCESS - System and method for controlling a process with spatially dependent conditions for producing a product with spatially dependent properties, e.g., a web/sheet-based process for producing a web/sheet-based product. Input data comprising a plurality of input data sets are provided to a neural network (analog or computer-based), each data set comprising values for one or more input parameters, each comprising a respective process condition or product property. The input data preserve spatial relationships of the input data. The neural network generates output data in accordance with the input data, the output data comprising a plurality of output data sets, each comprising values for one or more output parameters, each comprising a predicted process condition or product property. The output data preserve spatial relationships of the output data, which correspond to the spatial relationships of the input data. The output data are useable by a controller or operator to control the process. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300710 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MANAGING ELECTRONIC WORK INSTRUCTIONS FOR MANUFACTURE OF PRODUCT - Methods and systems for interfacing computer modeled design and manufacture data from an Manufacturing Process Planning (MPP) system to a Manufacturing Execution System (MES) and allowing, via an integration server interface, electronic work instructions of the MPP system to be revised promptly and efficiently in mid-production manufacturing processes. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300711 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSLATING VARIATION INFORMATION BETWEEN COMPUTER 3D VARIATION MODELS AND GEOMETRIC DIMENSIONING & TOLERANCING CALLOUTS - Systems and methods are disclosed for consistently translating or converting between geometric dimensioning and tolerancing information and variation parameters for a three dimensional variation analysis tool. The methods and systems may receive geometric dimensioning and tolerancing information; translate, with a computer, the received geometric dimensioning and tolerancing information into variation parameters for a three dimensional variation analysis tool; and output the variation parameters. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300712 | Method For Tracking and Controlling Grainy and Fluid Bulk Goods in Stream-Oriented Transportation Process Using RFID Devices - A method and system for tracking non-discrete goods. The method includes inserting a first identification device into a non-discrete good, detecting the first identification device within the non-discrete good, and determining a characteristic of the non-discrete good from the first identification device. The system includes a plurality of identification devices having characteristics similar to a non-discrete good, and a set of sensors to detect the plurality of identification devices and determine a characteristic of the non-discrete good based on the identification devices. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300713 | Truss assembly systems and methods - An automated assembly system for assembling a truss from a plurality of truss members and connection plates includes a plurality of rail assemblies, a plurality of trolleys, a plurality of press assemblies, and a control system. The rail assemblies include stationary rail assemblies and moveable rail assemblies. The trolleys are supported by the rail assemblies. The press assemblies are supported by the trolleys. The press assemblies are configured to embed the connection plates into the truss members. The control system is programmed to control the operation of the automated assembly system. An ejector system is configured to remove assembled trusses from the automated assembly system. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300714 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PRODUCING PAINT - A paint manufacturing system includes a paint component storage system and a colorant storage system. A dispenser is in fluid communication with the paint component and colorant storage systems. A spectrophotometer is operatively coupled with a computer system. The computer system controls the flow of paint components from the paint component storage system and colorants from the colorant storage system. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300715 | System for carrying out automatic drilling / riveting process in aeronautical assembly pieces - A system of automatic drilling/riveting of pieces for aeronautical assembly, includes a robot governed by a numerical control device containing drilling/riveting information. A module allows for introduction of data by the operator. A piece checking module detects a piece starting from the data input by the operator. A converter module receives from the numerical control device the information input by the operator and information on the detected piece along with the drilling/riveting to be done and converts that information into information that can be read by a governing and graphic representation module, which transforms the information into geometric information to permit graphic representation on a screen. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300716 | Method for manipulating a dental virtual model, method for creating physical entities based on a dental virtual model thus manipulated, and dental models thus created - A 3D virtual model of an intra oral cavity in which at least a part of a finish line of a preparation is obscured is manipulated in virtual space by means of a computer or the like to create, recreate or reconstruct finish line data and other geometrical corresponding to the obscured part. Trimmed virtual models, and trimmed physical models, can then be created utilizing data thus created. The virtual models and/or the physical models may be used in the design and manufacture of copings or of prostheses. | 2008-12-04 |
20080300717 | Apparatus and methods for processing mailpiece information by an identification code server - Apparatus and methods consistent with the present invention provide for processing delivery item information in an identification code sorting system by an identification code server. In one embodiment, a primary identification code server receives an identification file containing identification information uniquely corresponding to a delivery item. In this embodiment, the primary identification code server processes the delivery item information and may send the identification file to a secondary identification code server. In another embodiment, a secondary identification code server receives an identification file from a primary identification code server and processes the delivery item information. | 2008-12-04 |